Mike Hill out as Charlotte 49ers’ athletics director 

CHARLOTTE ATHLETICS

Charlotte athletics director Mike Hill, shown with women's basketball coach Tomekia Reed in 2024, was fired by the school on Oct. 16, 2025 after a seven-year stint..

The Charlotte 49ers have relieved Athletics Director Mike Hill of his duties effective immediately. 

According to a statement from the school the decision was made after “... careful deliberation and in recognition that the rapidly evolving business, regulatory and competitive landscape of higher education athletics demands a new approach and renewed strategic foundation.”

“Over the past seven years, Mike has led our athletics department with deep commitment,” Chancellor Sharon Gaber said.  “He played a pivotal role in many important advances for our athletics department, including the move to the American Conference. His hiring of Head Football Coach Tim Albin has also set us on a path toward success. We deeply appreciate Mike’s service, dedication and contributions, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

While the school is in the process of finding the next athletic director, vice chancellor for institutional integrity and general counsel Jesh Humphrey will oversee the department until the next hire is made. 

“It has been an absolute joy for me and my family to be a part of Niner Nation,” Hill said in a statement. “I am forever grateful to Phil Dubois for the opportunity to lead this program and to Sharon Gaber who leads the university with such vision and strength.

“Thank you to our coaches, student-athletes and staff who work so tirelessly to represent Charlotte with pride and class. I’ll truly miss you. We will be joining our incredible fans in cheering you on and celebrating many championships to come.”

Hill, who signed a four-year contract extension in 2024, has a buyout clause that requires a $2.2 million payment if he isn’t fired for cause. 

Hill was a lightning rod for Charlotte alumni and fans who criticized the school’s lack of success in football and men’s basketball during his tenure. In a May 2024 episode of the Sports Charlotte podcast, Hill responded that non-revenue sports like baseball, softball and soccer were just as important.

“I get that you say people don’t pay attention to track and field,” he said. “I’m the director of athletics, not just football and basketball. And I know that those are the sports that people pay most attention to, but you have to build a culture of excellence in everything that you do here. And I think we are well on our way to having a program where every single one of our sports can excel at a high level.”

Hill was responsible for the hiring of football coaches Will Healy, Biff Poggi and most recently Tim Albin, who is in his first season. After a 7-6 debut campaign, Healy managed just eight wins the next three seasons and was fired in 2022 after starting 1-7. Poggi, who was hired in 2022, came in with high hopes, finished 3-9 in his first season and was dismissed in November 2024 with a 6-16 record. Albin is 1-5 in his first season.

Hill was also responsible for the hiring two men’s basketball coaches. Ron Sanchez was hired in 2018 and led the 49ers to the CBI postseason title His overall record at Charlotte was 72-78, 39-51 record in conference play. 
When Sanchez left to return to Virginia as an assistant coach, Hill named Charlotte assistant Aaron Fearne interim coach. Fearne led the 49ers to a third-place finish in the American conference in his first year with a 19-12 record. Charlotte finished his second season 11-22. 

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